The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum

This Heritage Railway and recreated historic village is Owned and Operated by The Ashburton Railway & Preservation Society (Inc.). We house an extensive collection of exhibits from yester-year – from Rural History to Rail, homewares and much more.   Onsite and available for Hire, is the Waterton Church and Function Room.

Next Running Day:

Saturday 30th March 2024 ((From 11:00am 'til 4:00pm))

Our Public Open Days are a great Hertiage Experience for all the family to enjoy. All day rides on our trains, free classic games and activities for the Children, working Machinery Displays and much more. Also onsite is the Ashburton Fire Museum, Ashburton Steam & Model Engineers, the Ashburton Woodworkers and Lynn Museum.

About Us

Travel back in time with The Plains Vintage Railway and Historical Museum, preserving a century-old railway that once transported coal, lime, passengers and general freight. Enjoy a nostalgic train ride, explore captivating Village Building exhibits, including historic vintage farm machinery and see a Blacksmith at work.

Step into the past and experience the charm of Mid Canterbury’s rich history.

You can find us at 20 Maronan Road, Tinwald, Ashburton, which is beside the Tinwald Domain, where there is plenty of parking available.

You can also type ‘The Plains Vintage Railway’ into your phone map app or click here for directions.